3 questions to an expert

Some habits can prevent razor burn. When the skin is not well prepared, shaving can be truly unpleasant!

Shaving can be a real chore for men and it is true that it puts regular stress on the skin. It makes it fragile and may be painful for dry or sensitive skin. Sometimes, shaving triggers inflammation of the epidermis. Preparing the skin prevents such irritation.

Why is shaving so traumatising for the skin?

Shaving removes the hydrolipidic film that protects the skin's surface and abrades the upper layers.

As a consequence, the skin’s corneal layer dries out. The skin resists the passage of the razor slightly, creating micro-injuries. Part of the epidermis may be scraped away in places, leaving a route through which microbes can enter. This stress, repeated every day, ends up damaging the epidermis.

What do your patients complain about?

Patients report painful sensations during shaving, making it unpleasant.

They mention pulling and burning sensations after shaving. The epidermis is inflamed and the skin stays red: this is known as "razor burn". Gradually, the skin dries out. In more serious cases, folliculitis may develop on the face. It is characterized by small spots that resemble acne, at the base of the hairs.

How can the skin be prepared to avoid this type of discomfort?

The skin should first be moistened with warm water to make the hair easier to shave.

Before using the blade, I also recommend massaging the beard using circular motions in order to make the hair stand up. The face should be shaved in the direction in which the hair grows, from the ears to the mouth and from the chin to the neck. The skin should also be well moisturized. All these habits help to prevent razor burn. When the skin is not well prepared, shaving can be truly unpleasant.